Spring 2026 Winner of the Dreams Without Borders Scholarship

Azucena "Suzie" Villalobos Lopez

Attorney Josue Ruiz has selected Suzie Villalobos Lopez as the recipient of the Spring 2026 Dreams Without Borders Scholarship. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Suzie is a first-generation law student and is passionate about advocating for other immigrant families.

Read Their Essay Here:

As the daughter of Mexican immigrants in Arizona, I have seen the realities of our broken immigration system up close. Growing up in a mixed-status household, I witnessed the fear and legal uncertainty that families like mine experience daily. These experiences have motivated me to pursue a career in immigration law and advocate for reforms that are both compassionate and realistic.

One area of immigration law that urgently needs improvement is Adjustment of Status (AOS) for parents with multiple unlawful entries. Current laws, particularly INA §212(a)(9)(C), make it nearly impossible for parents of U.S. citizens to obtain legal status if they have entered the country unlawfully more than once. Even if they qualify through a family petition, they are barred from adjusting their status unless they leave the country for 10 years - and even then, there’s no guarantee of approval. These parents often have lived in the U.S. for decades, paid taxes, and raised citizen children. They are part of our communities, yet they face the threat of separation at any moment. Reforming this policy would allow for a more humane and

family-centered process, helping keep families together and encouraging trust in the legal system.

Another key area for reform is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). While DACA has protected thousands of young people from deportation, it offers no path to permanent residency or citizenship. Many DACA recipients have lived here since childhood and contribute meaningfully to our society, yet their futures remain uncertain due to ongoing legal challenges. A legislative solution granting DACA recipients lawful permanent status would allow them to fully invest in their careers, families, and communities without fear.

Through my volunteer work with Catholic Charities, the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, Poder Latinx, and The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, I have supported vulnerable populations navigating this system. I also completed the AILA Paralegals Online Course and regularly attend AILA webinars to stay informed and effective in my role at an immigration law firm. There, I have improved internal processes to reduce case delays and launched outreach efforts to keep clients informed, which were small but meaningful changes that made a big impact.

In Fall 2025, I will attend the University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law and join the Immigration Law Clinic to continue this work. My long-term goal is to become an immigration attorney serving Arizona communities through bilingual, trauma-informed, and family-centered legal support.

Immigration law must evolve to reflect the realities immigrants face. Reforming AOS and DACA would provide hope and stability for thousands of families and individuals who deserve a fair chance. I am committed to driving that change - through legal advocacy, innovation, and a deep understanding of the people these laws impact most.